Marilyn A. Campbell
Marilyn Audrey Campbell (May 26, 1936) otherwise known as Mom and Nanny.
If it looks a little darker than normal, it is because the world has lost one of its brightest shining lights. The matriarch and heart of the Campbell family, Marilyn passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 16, 2025 surrounded by her family at the age of 88.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario where she lived until she met the love of her life at the cottage in Cook’s Mill, Marilyn and the late Donald Campbell were married in 1954 and lived the rest of their lives in Guelph and the surrounding area. Together they raised 9 children, camped and travelled throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and the U.S. spending numerous winters in Florida after Christmas was over.
Marilyn/Mom/Nanny loved to knit and crochet. At first, it was baby blankets, sweaters, booties, and bonnets for her newly-born grandchildren. She then started making hats for preemies at the Guelph General Hospital, baby blankets for Michael’s House, and finally prayer shawls for several local churches.
She always loved a full house and was happiest at holiday get-togethers when the house was bursting with family, laughter, and memory making so here are a few we’d like to share:
“Nanny always had this seemingly magical way of making time move just a little bit slower, and for your burdens to feel instantly lighter. Listening to her talk about the way she loved Granddad and the rest of her family was always so soothing and heartwarming. You couldn’t help but feel at peace when you spent time with Nanny.”
“You created the most love-filled family home. Our bodies were always full of food and hearts overflowing with your love. Your unending love will live in my heart forever.”
“She was an absolute light that loved her family so much.”
“She made her family feel special by wearing family birthstones in her rings.”
“She loved as fiercely as she is loved. She never hesitated to help someone in need, no matter who they were.”
“She was a selfless woman who dropped what she was doing to help out family members in need.”
“I lost my tooth while eating and I threw it out. Nanny did everything she could to try and find it. We didn’t find it but it just shows how selfless and caring she was.”
“She always did what she could for her family and didn’t hesitate twice about teaching.”
“Thank you for helping shape all the young one’s minds and instilling your wisdom.”
“I’ll never forget relaxing at the cottage and doing word search after word search. With all this time spent together, she helped make me the person I am today.”
“Everyone that knew her loved her. Her secret was simple. She asked questions and listened without judging.”
“My paternal family was uniquely matriarchal: and our matriarch, Nanny, my grandmother, has passed away. Hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them. Often. Frequently.”
Dedicated wife, Mom, and Nanny, the fortunate recipients of her endless love were her 9 children, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Her love of children also extended to 100s of foster children, primarily newborns.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Donald Campbell, she was still as in love with him today as the day they met. Their love story has been an inspiration to the entire family.
Predeceased by her parents, Frank Guerney and Lydia Donaldson, her brother Doug (Lynn decd.) and survived by her sisters Patricia (Den) and Dolores (John, decd.).
Already deeply missed by:
Audrey (Peter); grandchildren Danny, Beverly, Ryan, Derek, Jonathan; great-grandchildren Alexandria, Miranda, Joshua, Finley, Leonardo, Dominick, Keith, Sarah, Isabelle, Holly, and great-great-grandchild Charlotte.
John (Heather); grandchildren Kelly and Michael; great-grandchild Avery.
Timothy (Anna); grandchildren Crystal, Amber, and Tim Jr.; great-grandchildren Jayden, William, and Nolan.
Thomas (Susan); grandchild Matthew; great-grandchildren Owen and Georgia.
Beverly (Don).
Douglas (Janice); grandchild Dawn; great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Skylar.
Elizabeth (Chris); grandchild Kieran.
Charles (Valerie); grandchildren Chloe and Zachary; great-grandchild Logan.
Delores (Joel); grandchildren Dawson and Darla.
Our homes, cottages, and dining room tables will never be the same without you there. We love you Mom/Nanny ❤️
First visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 7 – 9 pm and a second visitation on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 10 – 11 am. Funeral service begins at 11 am in the funeral home chapel, followed by a reception in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Marilyn A. Campbell in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.